bags packed, sleep needed

I got SO much done in the last 3 days.  My to-do list is almost cleared out.  The only things left are things like recipe + about me updates on the blog. 

What did I do today?  It would take too long to list!  The main point is that I’m pretty much done and SO ready to get to Portland!!  A few of you have asked about meeting up and given my place to check out while I’m in town.  Unfortunately, there is going to be no time for meet-ups or sightseeing.  The only sights I’ll be seeing is looking out of the Peas’ windows!! 

If you missed the details of where I’m going, you can check here + here.

[so excited!!!!!!!!!!]

Before I go I thought I would leave you with a recipe. 

Per your lovely suggestions, I used my vita-mix to grind farro this morning.  It worked amazingly!!  The noise was significantly lower and it took much less time, with a better result.

The texture you are looking for is very powdery with small pieces of farro mixed throughout.

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Ahhhh, finally.  Farro breakfast perfection!

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Studded with raisins + topped with almonds, just like the wonderful breakfast at il Cane Rosso.

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The texture was much better this morning.  I used a mixture of almond milk + water.  It was silkier and not quite as thick.

love.love.love.

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creamy farro porridge

  • 1/3c [slightly rounded] ground farro
  • 3/4c unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2c water
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2T butter/earth balance
  • 2t sucanat/brown sugar
  1. Bring water, milk, and farro to a slow boil.
  2. Let cook over medium heat, whisking every few minutes.
  3. After it starts to thicken ~8-10min, whisk in salt, butter, and sucanat.
  4. Total cook time is about 12-15min, or until desired consistency is met.  If you let it cook a little too long, just add more milk or water.
  5. Add mix-ins, pour in a bowl and add toppings.

I just had to add more toppings. :)  Ahhh, this was delightful.  The only problem is that it didn’t keep me full as long as oatmeal.  I’m not sure why that is.  The only thing I didn’t include in this bowl is my typical 1/2 banana.  However, I added more nuts than usual, thinking the extra fat would help hold me over.  I’ll have to try again when I get back from Oregon.  Sometimes when I’m in go-go-go mode, nothing holds me over for more than 2hrs.

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And now a lesson in being an efficient packer. 

Actually, not a lesson because I am NOT an efficient packer.  I don’t really over-pack, but I hate cramming things into a small suitcase and not having a few extra clothing options.  For this trip, I’m not too concerned with what I’m wearing. 

5 days worth of clothing + toiletries, is stuffed into this small rolling carryon bag.  I’ve seen this clothes-rolling method before, as a way to save space, so I thought I would give it a try.  At first I had everything stacked and then I rolled it to see the difference.  Definitely helped!

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The other bag I’m bringing, is this large Burton camera bag, stuffed with…

  • hat
  • scarf
  • 2 lenses
  • 1 camera
  • tripod
  • chargers
  • kitchen towels
  • a few little bowls + plates
  • mini spoons
  • and somehow I need to fit my computer + charger in here too

This is a great camera bag with a million useful pockets.  We use it for hiking and travel. 

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A present for Mama Pea because I doubt we’ll have time for the real thing.

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Tomorrow, I will be THAT person with too much carry-on luggage. 

This is technically a “personal item” right???

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If anyone yells at me for the 2 large bags, I’m going to tell them to call Mama Pea.

Night!

<3 Ashley

BTW - Posting might be a bit sporadic while I’m away, as well as answering emails + comments.  I will try my best! :)